2023 Best Schools in El Cajon

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  91 reviews

Works Here: I have never worked in a place that so clearly lives its mission. Francis Parker School invests in students at every level, from the amazing faculty who challenge students in the classroom, to the support staff who come alongside students as they grow and develop as people, to the dining staff who makes the unbelievable lunches each day - Parker really does care for the whole student. And as staff, we feel it too. This is a great place to work, and a great place to send your student!... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,320

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• La Mesa, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  815 reviews

Senior: I love Helix! There are so many opportunities to get involved and engage in leadership and character-building activities. The campus is well taken care of and updated and the teachers and staff are all nice and supportive. In addition to the wide variety of clubs, sports, and extracurriculars, Helix is very strong in the academics. I truly feel like the classes I have taken at Helix have helped me prepare for a college workload, with the right balance between challenging work and expectations, and fun projects and easy access to teacher support.... Read 815 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,469

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  301 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Preuss has been fantastic. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in many activities after school too and prepare them for university! I also feel like this is a safe space for me and ask teachers for help; teachers here at Preuss really want students to succeed. As a first-gen student, Preuss has done their best to guide me for what to do when applying for universities as a senior and makes sure that all students are on track! Through it's rigorous curriculum, all of these are established this way to make it easier for students by their senior year without having to worry much if they're meeting all the requisites when applying to universities. Student's can view that handwork is paying off in the end.... Read 301 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 848

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  268 reviews

Senior: I love so many things about the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP). This all girls community is welcoming and diverse. Everyone I meet is quite different with such an abundance of special interests, backgrounds, passions, etc. All share the common denominator, though, of being bright and driven in her own way. The abundance of class and extracurricular offerings fuels this. Students can take everything from Sports Psychology to Biotechnology, Holocaust Literature to Video Production. She can participate in any of the 60+ clubs we have, or be one of the roughly 500 student athletes. Regardless of what a student does here, she will be part of an extraordinary community of engaged faculty and kind, driven students. I can't stress how much I have loved my time here. There's nothing like the OLP sisterhood.... Read 268 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  174 reviews

Senior: I have been at Saint Augustine High School for 4 years. My experience at Saints has been very good. We have a lot of fun in the "pit" and I have participated in a lot of on campus events. Freshman year was a lot of fun and I had all the support that I needed to succeed. I was pared with a Senior student mentor who guided me through the halls at the school and showed me what Saints was all about. Most of my teachers are very good and care about the success of the students. Academically I was challenged and supported. I really liked having an all male environment because I could be myself and find a strong male brotherhood that I hope will last a lifetime. At Saints, you will find a well balanced school that challenges you to grow in character, faith, leadership, while preparing you to be successful in college. I have often heard from Alumni that their experience at Saints has made them strongly prepared for College. To the extent that the college work load often seemed much easier... Read 174 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is an amazing school both of my children have flourished here...it’s one of the best schools in San Diego.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 366

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: Small class size and dedicated caring teachers lead to indicate attention for every student. Excellent academics and college prep, with multiple ap courses in every subject. Students are very friendly and connected to each other.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 32

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  146 reviews

Junior: Grossmont Middle College High school is an excellent program that allows students to dual enroll in both high school and college courses. I am currently a junior in high school, doubling as a freshman college! I plan on getting my associates degree by the time I graduate my high school classes, and have been greatly exposed to various college opportunities. This school does an amazing job at preparing students for a 4-year university, and I am so happy I am able to attend it! This program is perfect for hard working, driven students who hope to get ahead!... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 72

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: Our family discovered Waldorf when our daughter was in High School - but I wish my kids had the opportunity to start when they were little! It’s not just a school for us but a thriving, inclusive community. We've had an outstanding experience with my high school student- who started high school after attending public schools from Kinder. She’s now getting ready for college and has done very well on the SAT and feels prepared. The teachers are truly invested in developing lifelong learners and give every student personal attention. The students themselves are incredibly confident and inquisitive and very accepting of new students. My child has blossomed under the care of Waldorf. She thought she wasn’t a “math student” but is now loving calculus! Can’t say enough good things!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Students 273

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Spring Valley, CA•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• grade A

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: We've been a part of LFCS for 11 years. Now all 4 of my kids are in school there and we are so thankful for a safe, consistent learning environment for them. I so appreciate that the school takes a neutral position on any and all political or controversial issues, and instead encourages kids to ask their parents what their family values are. Also, there are regular meetings where parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the inner workings of the school. And I'm always impressed with the school's financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. They operate within the budget and welcome questions from parents regarding spending. If you're unsure about whether this is the school for you, attend a tour and get informed. They are happy to answer any questions you have!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Futures Academy (formerly Halstrom) has been terrific for our son. He finished 8th grade there and has started ninth grade. The one-on-one teaching is a great model and he learns well in that environment. He rarely comes home with homework, and is actually happy to go to school. The school transitioned extremely well to online learning after the pandemic. The beautiful thing about Futures is we actually stopped worrying about school or his homework. My wife and I highly recommend Futures.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Spring Valley, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  455 reviews

Senior: The school was alright. if you're an athlete or an inspiring athlete it's a great place to be. I will say, I do regret taking graphic design because they don't teach you much. Over the three years of taking graphic design, I feel like I could have learned way more if I spent a month on Youtube and learning on my own time. A majority of the teachers have great personalities. I've only had one teacher whose personality made me hate my favorite subject, but other than that one teacher the others are great! Overall the school is great.... Read 455 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,182

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: a notable school for pursuing art by creating connections worldwide between students and significant artists. This school not only allows the students to freely demonstrate their artistic talents but also emphasizes the importance of balancing education with the arts. The diversity of SDSCPA embraces students' differences with an open environment for all. This school has much diversity and opportunities for the arts, however the resources for students to reach counselors can be improved; counselors can not be found in their office during suitable times for students which isn't essential for the students. Furthermore, the balance between education and the arts is shown to be important yet, the balance between the two is not always shown. Many students have to choose which their attention should focus on which to consequences. To conclude, the School of Creative and Performing Arts is recommended for future artists to pursue their dreams.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  622 reviews

Senior: Overall, Patrick Henry High School [located in San Diego, California] is a great school. It has given me numerous opportunities to create new friendships, learn new information, and has amazing surrounding faculty. The school spirit is so fun and I wouldn´t have wanted to spend my last 4 years in San Diego anywhere else!... Read 622 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,567

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: The Rock Academy is an academically rigorous school with emphasis on character development. The Christian curriculum compliments our family faith. It's small size enhances the learning experience as all the teachers know the students well and are invested in helping them make progress. During the pandemic the Rock Academy was one of a handful of school able to accommodate county guidelines and return to in-person learning for the entire 20-21 school year. We greatly appreciate the support of the teachers and staff!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A

• Students 401

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  30 reviews

Parent: With two children in the high school now I can say that CHS has been an awesome experience for our family. It's small but not too small. It's academically challenging for our honors and AP students, but not grueling. It's fun in the ways teens are looking for, but with standards the way parents want (i.e. dress code standards even for social functions, school spirit is strong, but good character and sportsmanship is emphasized, music is encouraged, but without bad language, etc...) Best of all for us, our kids are allowed to enjoy their childhoods. There is no social activism on this campus. They are free to be kids and not force-fed a social agenda. They are CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS. For that I will be forever grateful.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 498

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  32 reviews

Junior: One word: Outstanding! The staff of School for Entrepreneurship & Technology (Set High) persistently put their foot out for students in mental/academic need. I'm always given an opportunity to participate and receive help on topics that confuse me. Lessons are straightforward and easy to follow. I recommend this school entirely!... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Grossmont Union High School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  477 reviews

Junior: Being a student in Valhalla high school has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Valhalla high school has amazing, helpful teachers. In other words, the staff members care for their students and make sure that they are doing well. The school has taught me many things I’ve never heard of before and helped me find my passion for joining the medical-pathway. They have many opportunities for experiences such as clubs. The clubs are very fun and educating. Valhalla high school was not my only high-school I’ve been to since I wasn’t living around the area before, but joining the school was like a blessing! Something different about the school is that they have a day called “Odin’s day.” It is around the first to second week of school, where everyone dresses in orange clothing and freshman go to touch the mascot as a welcoming. This also includes seniors touching the mascot for the last time on their graduation day as a goodbye.... Read 477 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,150

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My son wakes up early everyday and excited to go to Magnolia. He is in robotics and archery teams and loves them. School offers free tutoring and clubs after school. They also have a onsite library available for students after school. The teachers at Magnolia are very supportive and caring. I am glad we enrolled our son to Magnolia. We love Magnolia.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is our first year at Barnard and it's been great! Imagine, Mandarin language immersion at a public school! The stuff I don't love (large class size, homework in kindergarten, no parking for a magnet school) are really district problems and not specific to Barnard Elementary. The staff are very energetic and involved. Love our school!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  180 reviews

Senior: It was a school where I was accepted. I could be my TRUE, REAL, RAW self. Everyone didn't stick to the "norm" or "basics". Everyone had their own vibe, own style, own stigma and it wasn't judged. I could wear my bright, blue fur jacket and stroll the halls without being embarrassed and instead, very bubbly and confident. To make it better, not only did I not have to worry about being my true self, but I also had no worries when it came to school work. Everything at High Tech High International is very organized, helpful and simple. It teaches exactly what benefits us as students ad gets us prepared for our future. We get the privilege of doing college field trips, internships for a whole month and a week off to explore different activities. It's a school full of adventure, self assurance and strength!... Read 180 reviews

• grade A

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: The O'Farrell Charter School is a very close-knit oriented community. I have been attending this school since middle school and have never felt harmed or threatened. Due to the small size, it allows more bonding and relationships between staff and students. Teachers and staff overall highly encourage the students to try their best and to aim for the stars. I have created many bonds with multiple of my teachers and they have created a safe space. At O'Farrell, academics are highly favored over sports. O'Farrell makes sure that you graduate with your A-G requirements so that we are college ready. Throughout my years here, I have highly enjoyed the opportunity that O'Farrell provides for their students.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: A Chula Vista Gem! Rigorous academics and strong in STEM subjects. Servitech program is a student led and run real life IT Services Company. Looks great on college applications as it gives them work experience as a CEO, CFO, CTO, COO etc... Small family environment and Christ centered. Many extracurriculars to choose from and athletics program is top-notch. High graduation and college acceptance rates. Wouldn't have my kids anywhere else!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1